Susan Theresa Hammer

Susan Theresa Hammer (Kramp), 65, of Mellette, SD, passed away Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Sanford Medical Center, Aberdeen, SD, after an extended illness. 

Mass of Christian Burial for Susan will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at All Saints Catholic Church, Mellette, SD, with Father Chester Murtha officiating.

Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Mellette following Mass.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Monday, at the mortuary in Aberdeen with a liturgical wake and rosary at 7 p.m. led by Father John Short.  Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Susan Theresa Kramp was born July 3, 1958, to Kenneth and Ernestine (Frericks) Kramp in Aberdeen, SD. She was raised on the family farm near Brentford, SD, with her five siblings. There she was instilled with a lifelong value of the importance of family. She attended Northwestern High School in Mellette and graduated in 1976. She then attended Lake Area Tech in Watertown, SD, and graduated in 1977 with a degree in respiratory therapy. 

Susan was united in marriage to John Hammer on December 10, 1977, in Mellette, SD, and made their lifelong home on their farm in rural Mellette. To this union, three children were born: Melissa, Ben, and Kelli, and Susan began her endeavors as a mother and homemaker. Once the children were in school, she worked various jobs in Mellette and Aberdeen. 

When she wasn’t attending her children’s various extracurricular activities, Susan enjoyed spending time gardening, crocheting, jigsaw puzzling, and cooking for her family. 

Susan’s grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Despite her illness, John and Susan had the opportunity to attend many of their activities and special events as well. Family gatherings at their home brought her much joy. 

Susan will be dearly missed by her husband of 45 years, John; children: Melissa (Brett) Knox of Doland, SD, Ben (Crystal) Hammer of Aberdeen, SD, and Kelli (Jesse) VanOverbeke of Arlington, SD; 13 grandchildren: Olivia, Peyton, Sam, and Ethan Knox; Jayda, Ryelynn, and Detrich Hammer; and Seeley, Kennedi, Jack, Mira, John, and Kylee VanOverbeke; two brothers, Paul (Nancy) Kramp and Pat (Vickie) Kramp; two sisters, Debby (Dick) Lester and Mary (Steven) Swanhorst; and one sister-in-law, Laura Kramp. 

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Ernestine “Ernie” and one brother Todd Kramp.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Mellette Fire Department P.O. Box 76, Mellette, SD, 57461.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.